If you hired a recent immigrant (au pair or whatever), how would they cope??

[Anonymous]

In case of any real emergency, how do you expect her to really know what to do? Most of us might even question our own ability (as parents) to know how to best respond in case of sudden and severe emergency.

[Anonymous]

Does your AP get that training before she comes to you?

[Anonymous]

Depending on where they are from they may have more common sense and safety precautions than your average american nanny. Remember in some countries attacks/rape/bombings etc are common place. Just make sure they are aware of your emergency plan, have contract numbers and know exactly where to meet/do, but this should be given to all nannies no matter where they are from.
Street smarts and maturity speak more than education when it comes to emergency situations unless you need that nanny to be a medical professional also

[Anonymous]

Fluent English is essential. You don't want her stumbling over her English vocabulary in the heat of the moment.

[Anonymous]

We've had au pairs deal with minor emergencies (stitches, car accidents, snowstorms that suddenly close school) and they've been surprisingly good at handling them. We discuss what to do in various examples, and they are good at following those directions (which usually means calling us).